Safety Perception Needs and Spatial Satisfaction in Urban Community Parks Among Older Adults: An Analytical KANO–IPA Approach

Against the backdrop of population aging, community parks are important spaces for older adults’ daily activities, and perceived safety plays a key role in shaping their use and spatial satisfaction. This study selected six typical community parks in central Beijing, constructed an indicator system for safety perception needs, and applied an analytical KANO–IPA (Integrated Kano and Importance-Performance Analysis) approach to identify the demand attributes and optimization priorities of safety elements. The results reveal a clear hierarchy in older adults’ safety perception needs. Basic environmental and facility safety factors, such as pavement conditions and facility reliability, function as must-be needs. Elements related to spatial visibility, circulation, lighting, and wayfinding act as one-dimensional needs that steadily influence satisfaction, whereas features including natural surveillance, spatial enclosure, and activity atmosphere mainly enhance spatial experience as attractive needs. Priority analysis further indicates that circulation conditions and facility safety constitute the most critical aspects for improvement. Overall, older adults’ safety perception in community parks results from the combined effects of multiple spatial factors. Hierarchical spatial optimization can enhance user experience and improve resource allocation efficiency. The findings provide theoretical support and decision-making guidance for safety-oriented planning and age-friendly renewal of urban community parks in aging societies.